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TORONTO EDGES NEW YORK IN THRILLER, 15-14

Manning scores game-winner with 38 seconds left

12/31/2008

The Toronto Rock edged the New York Titans, 15-14, to open the 2009 regular season. The game, held at BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise, FL, was the first-ever Florida Lacrosse Cup. Game MVP Blaine Manning scored four goals, including the game-winner with 38 seconds left in regulation.

After 2008 Goalie of the Year Bob Watson stuffed New York's Pat Merrill's potential game-winner, Stephen Hoar transitioned the ball upfield to Manning, who buried the game-winner past New York goaltender Matt Vinc.

New York held early 2-0 and 3-2 leads, but Kasey Beirnes scored back-to-back goals for the Rock to put them ahead. Toronto led 8-6 at halftime and 12-8 after three quarters, but Casey Powell led New York's fourth quarter comeback. The Titans captain scored three goals in the final frame, including the game-tying goal with 1:44 remaining.

Lewis Ratcliff, Luke Wiles and Beirnes scored three goals apiece for Toronto while Jason Crosbie and Bill McGlone added singles. Crosbie led Toronto with six assists, while Ratcliff had five and Wiles had four. Watson finished with 44 saves in the win.

Powell led New York with six goals, while Jordan Hall and Mike McLellan chipped in two. Brendan Mundorf, Greg Peyser, Pat Maddalena and Jamie Roodie added singles. Powell and Boyle had four assists each for New York. Matt Vinc made 32 saves in the loss.

Toronto (1-0) hosts the defending champion Buffalo Bandits next Saturday in their home opener at Air Canada Centre. New York (0-1) hosts the expansion Boston Blazers next Saturday at Prudential Center.